Lewis Bryson Willis

Mr. Lewis Bryson Willis, 89, of Morganton, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at UNC-BR Morganton.

Lewis was born on July 24, 1936, in Mitchell County to the late Ecay Titus Willis and Essie Lanning Willis. He was a member of Glen Alpine First Baptist Church and was veteran of the U.S. Army. Lewis was a retired machinist with Drexel Furniture, where he worked for 38 years. He enjoyed banjo picking, bluegrass music, woodworking and World War II aircraft.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Loraine Burleson Willis of the home, and two daughters, Susan Avery and husband Charles of Morganton, and Donette Leatherman and husband Joe of Drexel. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Ciara and Jordan Avery, and two great-grandchildren, Malik and Kingston Avery.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Chris Fox officiating. Interment will follow at Lily Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Bakersville.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Willis family.